PRECIOUS SECRET AND SACRED VOTE There is no alternative in a Democracy, but to vote the system in place. NOTA a new hyped addition only can only give personal, mental satisfaction, but will not tilt the balance or lead to re-poll. Whether we cast our vote or not, it matters very little, because the thinkers are in a minority and cannot derail the outcome. The choice of the candidates is presented by the parties, assuming our fait accompli and taking us for granted. The selection is based on cast, religion, , money and muscle power and win ability criteria ,whether by fair or foul means, throwing ethics to the wind. The ability to interpret, legislate, participate in debates is the least priority, The background of the candidates being criminals, corrupt, etc is not in question while deciding the candidate
Voting in nascent democracy was considered to be the most pleasurable exercise, eagerly looked forward. We are regularly bombarded with that it is our constitutional, sacred right and duty to elect any rogue of the party candidate and not exercising it tantamount to sacrilege. The issues paraded are corruption, scams and not policies, programmes, administrative efficiencies that will raise the standard of people and Nation. They capitalise on our hopelessness and helplessness to understand, comprehend the depth of issues of National importance. Even the most educated are politically illiterate. No Party is sacrosanct, devoid of scams and corruption and yet our public memory is short and fleeting .Politicians stick to the chair like limpets, because they are accustomed to the mind boggling privileges, being in the corridors of power. Politicians to day are the envy of Kings and Princes of the yore. Once elected, they care two hoots and will audaciously deny the value of our vote in their victory Manifestos and propaganda confuses most, as they promise paradise on earth, wowing to make the impossible possible by their gullible talks ,thus assuring to take India to new heights in the comity of Nations, It is another matter of non-fulfilment of manifestos and they cannot be held accountable or responsible for their tall claims .Many citizens, even to day are without basic necessities of drinking water, shelter or clothing .Voters believe that their hopes, aspirations, dreams and needs will be articulated, addressed by their elected representatives for instant redressal. We hopefully believe that every new election will throw new leaders, issues, solving perennial problems and bringing us nearer to the achievable and desirable goals. As usual our dreams will be shattered once again on the rocks of reality and insensitiveness, sooner than expected Our votes might serve as the bargaining power in future, to seek some crumbs in future ,But politicians have ingenious ways of circumventing by bribes, politeness, willingness to listen to absurdities , be scolded and stand patient and docile. Voting fuels our egos of importance, an opportunity to rub shoulders with the high and mighty, however for a fleeting moment, Absenteeism is monitored for future retaliations, Electronic voting machines, ID cards drive terror into the politicians, for all manipulations are nipped in the bud.. Now they will forcefully take away the cards, offer money and return them after the elections. Once the vote is cast, the sting of the worth of vote is lost and sealed, till next elections, unless there is early election The intelligentsia feels alienated in the election process., The youth brigade and women voters turn up in strength due to disillusionment in their life expectations. The recent success in Delhi elections have raised hopes of another viable alternative It is a Hobson's choice between the untouchable, communal BJP and decaying Congress mired with monumental corruption and policy paralysis. The Regional outfits are increasingly a force to reckon with. The two party monoliths are crumbling vertically. Politics is success stories from rags to riches, evident from growing tribes of political millionaires with no education, experience, investments, unlike the industrialists, who have realised the worth of throw their hat in political arena. We need to vote to demonstrate to the world that largest democracy of India is alive and kicking. Too often the illiterate Nation shows its powers through ballot box, upsetting the apple cart and fortunes of parties and candidates with increasing frequency. Gone are days of booth capturing, fear of guns, intimidations, benami voting .The video graphing , control on expenditures is a new attempt to monitor the procedures influencing the voters or casting undue influence We must vote to usher a change, give new lease to our representatives to complete the unfished agenda, deliberately left so. The foundation stones, will otherwise remain as sentinels, milestones and signposts of tomfoolery. Our vote will give birth albeit to new political Princes, Voting out the old guard or the party is the best, to at least assure some semblance of new order. Politics is the only best profession some politicians know to make a grand living .Believe it or not for their ultimate, sacrifice, they are paid a pittance in terms of tax free allowance, free water, electricity, transport for their families by air and first class rail travel, free telephone, postage, assistants, subsidised and furnished accommodation. Many a times their grouse is that they are compensated much less in comparison than the British M.P`s Our precious vote is the fountain head of the wealth of all politicians, helping them to occupy coveted positions, embark on foreign jaunts of education, enjoy priority of medical treatment in India and abroad at premier health Institutes, reserved seats for their wards in education and service, corner contracts, obtain soft loans, enter in to benami business , ventures partnerships without capital expenditure etc. are some enviable privileges It is only in politics that requires no age bar, minimum Educational qualification or experience, Then also the seats are reserved for their wives, daughters in law, rising sons and close relatives like in hereditary occupations .Our demand for vote provides tax free entertainments with televised sessions. The antics of disruption in Parliament, dharma's, gheraos,violence are examples of conduct and behaviour for our next generation. Our vote cleanses them of all criminal records, corruption, like holy dip in the waters of polluted Ganga .They have absolute faith in people's court, rather than the established Institutions of law and justice. Our vote must cast them in political wilderness and oblivion to show are astuteness and concerns for order. It should not guarantee them to die with boots on, receive state funerals and be entombed as unforgettable heroes of Modern India Their cunning to make enemies of friends , neighbours must be guarded with extra care and cautions,. Before and after elections politicians are the best of friends of each other .Their tearing into one another is only for public gallery for a limited period. The poor, wretched, ignorant vote, not because they understand their democratic rights , but because they fear for their own lives with reprisals and vengeance. Election and voting provide a carnival type of atmosphere an opportunity to be heard and to enjoy hospitality of free food, drinks, rides, picnics, pilgrimages, mementos, donations to clubs and religious places. The guidelines on expenses are becoming elastic, as the E.C cannot be a watch dog wit unbaiting eyelids at all times in all places .Govt funding of elections may not be the solution and in spite of huge drain on expenses on the exchequer it is vital for the democratic process we have embraced. When all is said and done, much is always said but little is done, So we rightly hope that a new change will be ushered without defections, horse trading, threats of Govrt age like Income tax, CBI n NOTA must be enlarged for re elections., demand for accountability, recall , dignified conduct and behaviour in the sacred precincts of Houses, and deal firmly with corruption at all levels, check police excesses, prevent criminalisation of politics, usher political , police and judicial reforms, limit representations to maximum of two terms, provide age , qualification, experience criteria, avoid caste and religious base in politics., make education and employment a fundamental right, Politics must ensure that we live in an atmosphere of trust peace , dignityand harmony That is a very small price to pay for our valuable, precious sacred , secret vote. Listen deaf politicians with a hearing aid at least Don`t fail to vote even if your vote is a failure Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
